New and Noteworthy

At BES, we appreciate our involved parents and community members. We also enjoy broadcasting our latest news and information here on our News page, where we will chronicle school activities and student achievements and publish announcements. We’ll also offer helpful resources and information. So check back often, as we update it regularly.

Important BOE Meeting Updates

The BOE has added a special meeting on Tuesday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m. at which time the superintendent will present proposed reductions to achieve the 3.1% target as discussed at the February 12 meeting.

The February 24th BOE public hearing has been moved to the Ridgefield High School Auditorium, 700 North Salem Rd. and will begin at 9:30 a.m. (instead of 10:00 a.m.)

The February 26th public hearing and meeting will proceed as scheduled at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Annex, 66 Prospect Street, in the board conference room.

A Day in the District: The Daily Five

Meet Branchville Elementary School’s Teacher Ambassador, first grade teacher Lisa Magee. When BES went to a rotational schedule, she successfully adapted a literacy practice she calls “The Daily 5” to provide personal learning opportunities for students during the newly created “extension block.” Watch the video to see her classroom in action!

Leadership Insight with Principal Margolus

When Branchville Elementary School Principal Keith Margolus and his school improvement team (pictured left) worked together to improve outcomes for students, the results strengthened the collaboration of school faculty and created consistent opportunities for personalized learning for students via practices that offer students choice and voice. All with the mission and vision of the graduate at its core. Watch the video.

Dr. Baldwin’s Thoughts on Thursday

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Baldwin’s Thoughts on Thursday is now available via a blog. Now our community may read past or current week's thoughts at any time. To read these weekly articles, please see Dr. Baldwin’s Thoughts on Thursday blog.

School Start Time Update

On the School Start Time vlog, Dr. Miller addresses the full project plans for school start times. He shares an in-depth review of the current project. Watch this week's SST vlog.

Flu Fact Sheet

The Connecticut Department of Public Health has put out an influenza fact sheet detailing how to limit the spread of influenza in schools. We urge you to please take a moment to read through this flyer, and use these practices in your own home. Please also read Dr. Baldwin's January 29 letter to parents regarding the flu. If we all work together, hopefully we can prevent the spread of this serious flu. Thank you!

2018-2019 School Year Registration

Ridgefield Public Schools will accept registration appointments for grades 1-12 for the 2018-2019 school year after February 1, 2018.

Registration for kindergarten (2018-2019) will take place at the districted (by street address) elementary schools the last week of February through the first week of March. Please contact your districted school to have your student placed on the incoming kindergarten list. We will provide a mailing with the necessary information and forms for registration via e-mail or mail. Please review the press release for all the details.

Ridgefield Public Schools Pre-K Open House Screening

Where: Barlow Mountain Elementary School, 115 Barlow Mountain Road

Dates: January 19, January 26, February 23, and March 16, and March 23, all at 9:15 a.m.

The Ridgefield Public Schools Pre-K Program will hold several informational Open House Screening sessions for the parents of peer models. The Pre-K Program is an inclusive program for 3- and 4-year-old children who reside in Ridgefield. Parents and caregivers may learn more about the program, while their children participate in an informal screening that consists of child-friendly, play-based activities conducted by the staff.

The Pre-K Program is an integrated program designed for typically-developing peers, as well as students with special needs to learn in a structured and nurturing environment. The curriculum is based upon the CT Early Learning and Development Standards in conjunction with the Connecticut State Education Preschool Frameworks, which emphasizes intentional teaching for children through active engagement, play, and multi-sensory experiences in multi-age classrooms.

Parents and caregivers are invited to attend with their 3- and 4-year-old children.

If you are interested in attending, please pre-register by contacting Sue Harris at 203-894-5800, ext. 6111.